but there are laws and regulations that limit, restrict or prohibit the type and quantity of chemicals/composition!
..Refer to the SAASA Rocket Motor Manufacturing and Safety Page for more information

Although Rocket Motors share some similarity to Fireworks, they are legally different!
(Using Fireworks in, or as Rocket Motors is unpredicatable, illegal and Dangerous)

WARNING!!

BEWARE OF CONTENT AVAILABLE VIA THE INTERNET

Just because you can download something from the Internet..
does not mean it is SAFE or LEGAL !

There have been numerous incidents reported of "Sugar Candy" that resulted in serious bodily harm, with the loss of fingers and other limbs being recorded

Among a number of Laws and Regulations, the Explosive Act and Regulations apply to Rocketry in South Africa

In Short, the following conditions apply:

As of date, the EXPLOSIVES ACT 26 OF 1956 is still in force.
The Explosives Act 15 of 2003 will only come into force once the Explosives Regulations have been approved

The Following basic guidelines are therefore still applicable:-

"No person shall manufacture any unauthorised explosive unless it is manufactured not for sale and solely for purposes of chemical experiment, and in such quantities and under such conditions as prescribed in writing by an inspector."

The maximum amount of propellant to be mixed at any one time is 50g (a typical Model Rocket kit contains a maximum of 46g of propellant mix)

The maximum quantities of chemicals in any person's possession at any time may not exceed 90g. (Composition of chemical/s manufacturing propellant)

All motors/engines/fuels are to be manufactured strictly according to the methods and specifications set out in (the origianl manufacturers instruction kit)

No changes are to be made to procedures, materials, prescribed quantities and methods

The manufacturer of the model rocket engine has to be the age of 16 years or older. Otherwise in the case of a younger person, the person should work under close supervision of an experienced adult

THE CHIEF INSPECTOR OF EXPLOSIVES

The Chief Inspector of Explosives, is appointed by the Minister of Police and is responsible for the control over explosives. Some of the Chief Inspector’s functions include:

The authorisation and classification of all explosives manufactured in and imported into South Africa

The issuing of explosives import, export, transit, transport and user permits to registered persons and entities

The licensing of explosives vehicles and explosives magazines

Ensuring that all plastic explosives manufactured or imported are marked for the purposes of detection

Applications for registration, licences and permits must be submitted to the Chief Inspector’s Office in Pretoria.

To protect you from yourself and from potential situations you may not be able to handle, there are restrictions placed on the sale of chemicals, fuels (especially on the more powerful rocket motors)

It is highly recommended that you join SAASA, who will provide guidance and support, as well as other benefits- ultimately you will be doing the right thing, and you will reap the rewards of participating in a Safe, but exciting hobby/sport that is self-regulated within the constraints of the law.

Disclaimer:

The above information is subject to change, and is provided as a guidance. Always refer to the actual laws and regulations that may apply to your country.

While every effort has been made to ensure the correctness of information provided on this website, SAASA will not be responsible or accountable for any loss,
damage or claim arrising from the use of information provided here.